The Best Korean Dramas on Netflix Right Now
The Best Korean Dramas on Netflix Right Now
Korean dramas, known as K-dramas, offer a diverse range of genres and themes. Here are some popular categories:
Romantic Comedies: Light-hearted love stories like “Crash Landing on You” and “What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim?”
Historical Dramas (Sageuk): Epics set in ancient Korea, such as “Moon Embracing the Sun” and “Empress Ki.”
Thrillers and Suspense: Engaging mysteries like “Stranger” and “Signal.”
Fantasy and Supernatural: Otherworldly tales like “Goblin” and “Hotel Del Luna.”
Slice of Life and Coming of Age: Stories about everyday life, like “Reply 1988” and “Age of Youth.”
Medical Dramas: Hospital-based series like “Hospital Playlist” and “Doctor Stranger.”
Competition and Talent Shows: Shows like “Produce 101” for aspiring K-pop stars and “Sing Again” for singers.
Crime and Investigation: Crime-solving dramas like “Voice” and “Tunnel.”
K-dramas offer captivating storytelling and are worth exploring for their diverse content.
A Time Called You
Created By: Kim Jin-won, Choi Hyo-bi
Cast: Ahn Hyo-Seop, Jeon Yeo-been, Kang Hoon
Based on the Taiwanese television series Someday or One Day, A Time Called You follows the grieving Jun-hee (Jeon Yeo-been), who is transported back to 1998 into the body of a different person, eventually meeting a man who uncannily resembles her deceased boyfriend. Dropping the typical rom-com style of K-dramas in this genre, A Time Called You finds its rhythm with moments of true suspense and tension, perfectly realized by Yeo-been and Ahn Hyo-Seop’s lead performances. Beautifully shot on location in Jeonju-si and Incheon, writer Choi Hyo-bi plays with the concept of time travel without letting its intricacies overwhelm the heartwarming romance at the core of this story. Intriguingly complex, the narrative moves between time and space in a way that helps to blossom the relationship of the central couple — and of the audience with the story.
King the Land
Created By: Cheon Sung-il
Cast: Lee Jun-ho, Im Yoon-ah, Go Won-hee
Gently toeing the line between both comedy and drama, King the Land sees Lee Jun-ho’s hotel CEO, Goo Won, disheartened by his involvement in an inheritance war, only for his life to find new meaning through his timely meeting with the ever-positive hotelier Cheon Sa-rang (Im Yoon-ah). The endearing chemistry of the lead couple fuels the comforting narrative fire from creator Cheon Sung-il, who takes a well-worn rom-com genre and finds its best assets, utilizing them throughout the series. King the Land’s gentle, flowing narrative is accompanied by a wonderful soundtrack, showcasing artists such as Punch, Minseo, and Gaho, that seamlessly partners the growth of the show’s central romance. Positively uncomplicated, King the Land is a hit for a reason, with Lee Jun-ho and Im Yoon-ha’s sparkling chemistry a particular highlight.
Celebrity
Creator: Kim Cheol-kyu, Kim Yi-young
Cast: Park Gyu-young, Kang Min-hyuk, Lee Chung-ah, Lee Dong-gun, Jun Hyoseong
Celebrity is a South Korean mystery thriller starring Park Gyu-young (The Devil Judge) as Seo Ah-ri, a social media influencer whose lust for stardom attracts more than just attention — he must also navigate jealousy and vitriol from her fellow influencers. But that is just the tip of the iceberg as a conspiracy begins to unfold around her that threatens her life — and, more importantly, her celebrity status. The series is a sensational look into the pressures of being a public figure in Seoul’s highly competitive influencer industry with a great visual aesthetic that balances the bright colors of a glamorous lifestyle with the dark and isolating underbelly that lurks beneath the luxury.
The Good Bad Mother
Creator: Sim Na-yeon, Bae Se-young
Cast: Ra Mi-ran, Lee Do-Hyun, Ahn Eun-jin, Yoo In-soo
The Good Bad Mother is an uplifting drama about second chances that starts in a pretty dark place but soon journeys into an endearing tale of reconciliation. Choi Kang-ho (Lee Do-hyun) is a coldhearted attorney who suddenly gets his memory wiped in an accident that regresses him back to the mind of a child. Unable to take care of himself, he moves back to his hometown to live with his estranged mother, Jin Young-soon (Ra Mi-ran), who sees this as a second chance to be the mother she always wanted to be. The development of the relationship between the and his mother is quite touching, conveying themes surrounding unintentional harm when wanting the best for someone and fighting for love being worth the pain.
Twenty-Five Twenty-One
“Twenty-Five Twenty-One” is a South Korean television drama series that falls within the genres of romance, youth, and historical drama. Here’s a brief overview of the show’s plot:
Title: Twenty-Five Twenty-One
Genre: Romance, Youth, Historical Drama
Synopsis: “Twenty-Five Twenty-One” is set against the backdrop of South Korea’s turbulent political and social landscape in the year 1987, a pivotal time in the country’s history. The story primarily revolves around the lives of two young women:
Na Hee-do (played by Kim Tae-ri): She’s a talented, aspiring rhythmic gymnast with a dream of representing South Korea on the world stage. Hee-do is determined and passionate about her sport.
Baek Yi-jin (played by Nam Joo-hyuk): He’s a talented swimmer and a university student who aspires to become a professional athlete. Yi-jin is charismatic and has a bright future ahead of him.
The drama follows the personal and romantic journeys of Hee-do and Yi-jin as they pursue their dreams in the midst of societal and political changes. The year 1987 marked a turning point in South Korea’s history, with the country undergoing a series of pro-democracy movements and social upheavals.
As Hee-do and Yi-jin navigate the challenges of their respective sports and personal lives, they also become witnesses to the evolving political landscape and the student-led protests of that era. Their love story unfolds against this backdrop, highlighting themes of youth, love, ambition, and the desire for freedom.
“Twenty-Five Twenty-One” is a nostalgic drama that not only explores the romance between its lead characters but also provides a glimpse into a significant period in South Korean history. It has garnered attention for its engaging storytelling and the chemistry between its talented cast members.
Under the Queen’s Umbrella
Directed by: Kim Hyung-sik
Cast: Kim Hye-soo, Kim Hae-sook, Choi Won-young
Fans of Game of Thrones, The Great, and even The Crown are sure to love Under the Queen’s Umbrella – a juicy historical drama about a group of people fighting for the throne. The main character in our story is Hwa Ryeong (Kim Hye-soo), a hot-tempered queen attempting to turn her sons into young men fit to wear the crown someday. She’s constantly playing a game of chess with both her family and the people in her court, holding onto power as hard as she can. It’s both beautifully shot and soapy, making it a feast for the eyes and the perfect binge-watch.
Business Proposal
Director: Park Seon-ho
Cast: Ahn Hyo-seop, Kim Se-jeong, Kim Min-kyu, Seol In-ah
Meet Kang Tae-mu (Ahn Hyo-seop), a detail-oriented workaholic and the new president of GO Food. Meet Shin Ha-ri (Kim Se-jeong), a new researcher at the company who’s crushing hard on her college friend Lee Min-woo (Song Won-seok). Despite having her interests elsewhere, Shin Ha-ri’s best friend Jin Young-seo (Seol In-ah) convinces her to go on a blind date with Kang Tae-mu in her place. When Shin Ha-ri realizes she’s on a date with her boss, though, things get complicated, and she does her best to turn him off. However, when Kang Tae-mu is undeterred no matter what she does while still thinking she’s her friend Jin Young-seo, things get even more complicated. Business Proposal is a sweet and silly K-drama that’s sure to satisfy your rom-com craving.
All of Us Are Dead
Directors: Lee JQ and Kim Nam-su
Cast: Park Ji-hu, Yoon Chan-young, Cho Yi-hyun, Lomon, Yoo In-soo, Lee Yoo-mi, Kim Byung-chul, Lee Kyu-hyung, and Jeon Bae-soo
Based on the webtoon Now at Our School by Joo Dong-geun, All of Us Are Dead is a zombie horror series about high school students who find themselves caught in the middle of a virus outbreak. After an accident leads to a zombie virus being unleashed at a South Korean high school, the students are left to fend for themselves cut off from the outside world by the government. With no supplies and no way to get help, the students must rely on each other and whatever resources they can find to survive this deadly situation. While it is primarily a horror story, the show also addresses a number of social issues. Gory, intense, and well-crafted, All of Us Are Dead has already become one of Netflix’s most popular shows since its release in January 2022.
Squid Game
“Squid Game” is a highly popular South Korean television series that combines elements of thriller, drama, and dystopian fiction. Here’s a brief overview of the show’s plot:
Title: Squid Game
Genre: Thriller, Drama, Dystopian
Synopsis: “Squid Game” is set in modern-day South Korea and follows the story of a struggling and indebted man named Gi-hun. Gi-hun’s life is in ruins; he’s lost his job, his family, and is buried in debt. His desperation leads him to participate in a mysterious and deadly competition known as the “Squid Game.”
The Squid Game is a secret, high-stakes contest where financially desperate participants are invited to play traditional Korean children’s games like Red Light, Green Light, and Marbles. The catch is that losing a game can result in a brutal, life-threatening consequence. The winner is promised a staggering cash prize, enough to solve all their financial woes.
As Gi-hun and other contestants compete in these deadly games, they form alliances, face moral dilemmas, and confront their pasts. The show delves into the dark underbelly of human nature, exploring themes of desperation, survival, greed, and the consequences of systemic inequality.
The series masterfully combines tension, suspense, and social commentary, making it a global sensation and sparking discussions about societal issues and the human condition. “Squid Game” captivated audiences with its intense plot and unforgettable characters, making it a must-watch K-drama for fans of thrilling and thought-provoking stories.
Crash Landing on You
“Crash Landing on You” is a beloved South Korean television drama that falls into the romantic comedy and melodrama genres. Here’s an overview of the show’s plot:
Title: Crash Landing on You
Genre: Romantic Comedy, Melodrama
Synopsis: “Crash Landing on You” tells the story of Yoon Se-ri, a successful South Korean businesswoman and heiress to a conglomerate. During a paragliding accident in Seoul, she is caught in an unexpected tornado and crash-lands in the North Korean portion of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). There, she encounters Ri Jeong-hyuk, a captain in the North Korean army.
Ri Jeong-hyuk, despite the risks to his own life, decides to help Yoon Se-ri hide in North Korea and find a way back to South Korea. As Yoon Se-ri navigates the challenges and cultural differences of life in North Korea, she begins to develop close bonds with Jeong-hyuk and his comrades.
The show explores the stark contrast between North and South Korea, providing humor, drama, and moments of deep emotion. As Yoon Se-ri’s feelings for Jeong-hyuk grow, and as she encounters other North Koreans, including a group of strong, supportive women, she discovers the humanity and warmth that exist in this unfamiliar territory.
“Crash Landing on You” is not only a heartwarming love story but also a tale of unity and understanding between two countries torn apart by political tensions. The series received widespread acclaim for its engaging plot, strong character development, and the on-screen chemistry between the lead actors. It has become one of the most popular and cherished K-dramas of all time, resonating with viewers around the world.